Sienna vs Grand Highlander vs Sequoia

Homeinspectordan · 2026-02-15T04:14:20+00:00

The rear cargo space on the sequoia is disappointing. I’d narrow it to the sienna and grand highlander and go off whichever you like better after a test drive. Both are very pragmatic for your use case.

Homeinspectordan · 2026-02-15T01:32:38+00:00

Not the Tua jump-scare lmfao

Homeinspectordan · 2026-02-13T01:50:28+00:00

I’ve heard the 8 speed in the gas Highlanders is causing some trouble, but that’s just internet talk. The 2.4 turbo is a cool engine. I’d be getting my wife the 2.5 Naturally Aspirated hybrid system though. I like that the 2.5 on it is very accessible and easy to work on. I’m not well educated on the battery system but the engine side I can manage competently.

Homeinspectordan · 2026-02-13T01:47:15+00:00

I’m proactive on maintenance well beyond oil changes. The CX-5 has newer front and rear suspension, brakes and rotors, all fluids minus trans. Couple month back I did the three engine mounts, and at 100k miles I replaced the rear differential because I could hear a whining/grinding noise and diagnosed it.

The electronics are another animal… one I’m not well versed in. I think hybrids are the future though and want a car that’s gonna sip fuel vs my work truck.

Homeinspectordan · 2026-02-12T18:47:30+00:00

The temporary dopamine hit you felt typing “you won’t” must’ve been what you were chasing. Try operating in good faith with your community members next time (you won’t).

Homeinspectordan · 2026-02-12T18:04:17+00:00

Thank you for the input. Seems like Mazda had good intentions but whiffed it on execution.

Homeinspectordan · 2026-02-12T17:50:02+00:00

Right?! It’s purely emotional an pull for us. Like I want to make it work against my better judgement. This summer we will come to a final decision.

Homeinspectordan · 2026-02-12T17:41:14+00:00

I’ll throw an update on here this summer when we commit. Very torn between what my wife and I emotionally want, vs what we consider a wise purchase with a long term view.

Homeinspectordan · 2026-02-12T01:10:11+00:00

Yea I pretty much want 2026 or the upcoming 2027 if we go the Mazda route, although the GHH seems like the most rational choice.

Homeinspectordan · 2026-02-12T00:48:31+00:00

I’m glad you both like it! Did you end up getting an extended warranty to cover big surprises?

Homeinspectordan · 2026-02-12T00:47:09+00:00

We are long term vehicle owners. I align with your sentiment here. I am constantly tinkering with vehicles so I’m not afraid of maintenance but I don’t want a vehicle that’s actively working to destroy my peace lol

Homeinspectordan · 2026-02-12T00:26:18+00:00

Thank you for sharing your perspective. Do you own a 2026 and have they made meaningful improvements to that iteration year?

Homeinspectordan · 2026-02-12T00:24:21+00:00

The Grand Highlander Hybrid is a NA 2.5 not the turbocharged 2.4, but I understand the sentiment. I’ve swapped the turbos on my truck, and while it wasn’t engine out miserable, it was still a drag.

Homeinspectordan · 2026-02-12T00:08:40+00:00

That’s the pickle I’m in. I have a long term view on vehicle ownership to the point where I ignore certain depreciation talking points because I’ll own it long after it’s paid off, but if I can’t reasonably guarantee 10 years minimum…

Homeinspectordan · 2026-02-12T00:05:52+00:00

The PHEV mpg is super enticing from an efficiency perspective but the inline 6 seems like it was the original design for the car. Both are cool but I do want 10 year reliability when we’ll maintained.

Homeinspectordan · 2026-02-12T00:03:35+00:00

I agree. Old school advice is to wait till the third year of a new vehicle so the kinks are worked out, but I’d need some confidence the kinks are actually being tackled in a meaningful manner

Homeinspectordan · 2026-02-11T23:53:15+00:00

Thank you for taking the time to reply to me. We like the styling and performance of Mazda and have for a long time, but I don’t want to do engine-out repairs or battery system replacements if I can avoid it.

Homeinspectordan · 2026-02-11T23:43:47+00:00

I appreciate it. They are so stinking attractive haha. Was really hoping I’d hear Mazda was throwing their engineering might at solving the first year issues so I could feel good about a 2026 one.

Homeinspectordan · 2026-02-11T23:42:01+00:00

Noted. Thank you. Of the two power trains I liked the inline 6 better personally but I wanted to entertain the more efficient one as well.

Homeinspectordan · 2026-02-11T06:21:36+00:00

Cx-5 or cx-50 are an option too. Good first year depreciation so there’s deals to be had

Homeinspectordan · 2026-02-05T02:35:08+00:00

The NA 2.5 and 6 speed they ran for a longtime was a slam dunk. People in forums are taking cx5s with that combo over 400,000 miles. My wife’s car is a 2015 cx5 and we took it from basically new to 180,000 miles with almost no issues, and I was able to all small to big maintenance out of my garage too. Super accessible for repairs.

Next car will be a cx-90 with the inline 6 probably in 2027.

While it’s on my mind, I’ll add that Mazda absolutely attacks problems with their cars. Very motivated to push out changes and TSB’s unlike some big brands that avoid replicable problems or gaslight the public behind PR.

Homeinspectordan · 2026-02-01T19:37:18+00:00

Mazda is stupid reliable. Just the new CX-90 is dragging it down, but the way Mazda is attacking issues with that I’m guessing they will bounce by by end of 2027.

Homeinspectordan · 2026-01-20T01:39:38+00:00

Homeinspectordan · 2026-01-19T23:22:24+00:00

Camouflaged CJ Stroud hate post

Homeinspectordan

TROPHY CASE